Thiruvananthapuram: I learn from the new generation, their tastes, interests, revolutionary ideas and thoughts, said director Priyadarshan on Sunday while attending a session as part of Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters in Thiruvananthapuram.

Directors Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad spoke extensively about cinema, their works and the changes in the film industry during the session “Oottipattana preveshnam,”. The session was moderated by actor Siddique.

Sathyan Anthikad stated that he never thought about becoming a director in his childhood. "I grew up in a rural neighborhood in Anthikad. My family doesn’t have any film background. I feel fate has done a favour to me. I feel so blessed that I became a director,” he added.

On the other hand, Priyadarshan said that he always wanted to be a director. He also shared an insight into the type of movies he makes.

“I work on movies that engage the audience and make them laugh. I don’t think I would do a film with so much depth. However, I see a difference between contemporary cinema and old ones. Today, the actors behave in front of the camera instead of acting.”

When questioned about the importance of songs in his movies, he remarked that songs are a remarkable feature and signature of Indian cinema. He pointed out that it is influenced by the theatre and traditional art forms.

Sathyan Anthikad also remembered the late actors who worked with him in the past. “I am a director who really felt the absence of actors like Shankaradi, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Philomena, Kuthiravattom Pappu and many others.” 

While Priyadarshan claimed that a void was left in Malayalam cinema due to the absence of actor Jagathy Sreekumar. 

“Film is an industry that is hard to predict. However, in any generation, the audience will accept movies that are close to real life,” Sathyan Anthikad added.

Priyadarshan remarked that the Malayalam industry is going through a “golden period.” With the advent of OTT cinema, Malayalam cinema is viewed by everyone in the country. People are truly appreciating the quality of content created in our industry, he added.